Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for processing MR signals, the method comprising: when acquired K-space signals are amplified, assigning a first amplification gain to signals within a first signal region in the K space, and assigning a second amplification gain to signals within a second signal region in the K space, wherein signal intensities of K-space signals in the first signal region are greater than signal intensities of K-space signals in the second signal region, and wherein the first amplification gain is lower than the second amplification gain.
This invention relates to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and addresses the challenge of optimizing signal amplification in K-space data acquisition. In MR imaging, K-space represents the raw data collected from the imaging process, where different regions contain signals of varying intensities. High-intensity signals in one region can overshadow weaker signals in another, leading to suboptimal image quality or dynamic range issues. The method involves dynamically adjusting amplification gains for different regions of K-space during signal acquisition. Specifically, signals in a first region with higher intensities are assigned a lower amplification gain, while signals in a second region with lower intensities receive a higher amplification gain. This differential amplification ensures that weaker signals are sufficiently amplified without saturating the stronger signals, thereby improving the overall dynamic range and image quality. The approach leverages the inherent intensity differences in K-space to apply region-specific amplification, enhancing the fidelity of the reconstructed MR images. This technique is particularly useful in applications where signal intensity varies significantly across K-space, such as in contrast-enhanced imaging or when imaging structures with diverse tissue properties.
2. The method for processing MR signals of claim 1 , further comprising: obtaining, through simulation, a maximum signal intensity of the K-space signals acquired when a pre-scanning is performed; using a ratio of a preset signal intensity of the K-space signals to the maximum signal intensity of the K-space signals as the first amplification gain.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the K space is a spherical signal space in which a data acquisition trajectory is a radiation radius with a center of the K space being a starting point, the first signal region is a region in which a distance between a coordinate of any K-space signal and the center of the K space is less than or equal to a specific value, and the second signal region is a region in which a distance between a coordinate of any K-space signal and the center of the K space is greater than the specific value.
4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising: determining the first signal region and the second signal region according to intensity distribution information of self-induction attenuation signals of the K-space signals on one or more data acquisition trajectory in the K space, wherein the first signal region includes higher signal intensities of the K-space signals than the signal intensities of the K-space signals of the second signal region.
5. A non-transitory computer readable media that stores a program, when executed by a magnetic resonance system, causing the magnetic resonance system to carry out a process comprising: when acquired K-space signals are amplified, assigning a first amplification gain to signals within a first signal region in the K space, and assigning a second amplification gain to signals within a second signal region in the K space, wherein signal intensities of K-space signals in the first signal region are greater than signal intensities of K-space signals in the second signal region, and wherein the first amplification gain is lower than the second amplification gain.
6. The non-transitory computer readable media of claim 5 , wherein the program further causes the MR scanning system to: obtain, through simulation, a maximum signal intensity of the K-space signals acquired when a pre-scanning is performed; and use a ratio of a preset signal intensity of the K-space signals to the maximum signal intensity of the K-space signals as the first amplification gain.
7. The non-transitory computer readable media of claim 5 , wherein the K space is a spherical signal space in which a data acquisition trajectory is a radiation radius with a center of the K space being a starting point, the first signal region is a region in which a distance between a coordinate of any K-space signal and the center of the K space is less than or equal to a specific value, and the second signal region is a region in which a distance between a coordinate of any K-space signal and the center of the K space is greater than the specific value.
8. The non-transitory computer readable media of claim 7 , wherein the program further causes the MR scanning system to: determine the first signal region and the second signal region according to intensity distribution information of self-induction attenuation signals of the K-space signals on one or more data acquisition trajectory in the K space, wherein the first signal region includes higher signal intensities of the K-space signals than the signal intensities of the K-space signals of the second signal region.
This invention relates to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging systems and methods for processing K-space signals to improve image quality. The problem addressed is the challenge of accurately distinguishing and analyzing different signal regions in K-space data, which is critical for reconstructing high-quality MR images. The invention provides a solution by determining distinct signal regions based on the intensity distribution of self-induction attenuation signals in K-space data acquired along one or more data acquisition trajectories. The system processes K-space signals to identify a first signal region and a second signal region. The first signal region contains higher signal intensities compared to the second signal region. This differentiation is achieved by analyzing the intensity distribution of self-induction attenuation signals, which are naturally occurring signals in MR imaging that decay over time due to self-induction effects. By segmenting K-space data into regions with varying signal intensities, the system enables more accurate image reconstruction, noise reduction, and artifact suppression. The invention leverages the inherent properties of K-space signals to enhance MR imaging performance, particularly in scenarios where signal attenuation and noise are significant. This approach improves the reliability and clarity of MR images by ensuring that regions with stronger signals are properly distinguished from those with weaker signals, leading to better diagnostic accuracy. The method is applicable to various MR imaging techniques and can be integrated into existing MR scanning systems to optimize image quality.
9. An apparatus for processing MR signals, the apparatus comprising: a processor configured to assign a first amplification gain to signals within a first signal region in a K space and assign a second amplification gain to signals within a second signal region in the K space at the time of amplifying required K-space signals, wherein signal intensities of K-space signals in the first signal region are greater than signal intensities of K-space signals in the second signal region, and wherein the first amplification gain is lower than the second amplification gain.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the processor is further configured to obtain a maximum signal intensity of the K-space signals acquired when a pre-scanning is preformed, and to use a ratio of a preset signal intensity of the K-space signals to the maximum signal intensity of the K-space signals as the first amplification gain.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the K space is a spherical signal space in which a data acquisition trajectory is a radiation radius with a center of the K space being a starting point, the first signal region includes a region in which a distance between a coordinate of any K-space signal and the center of the K space is less than or equal to a specific value, and the second signal region is a region in which a distance between a coordinate of any K-space signal and the center of the K space is greater than the specific value.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the processor is further configured to determine the first signal region and the second signal region according to intensity distribution information of self-induction attenuation signals of the K-space signals on one or more data acquisition trajectory in the K space, wherein the first signal region includes higher signal intensities of the K-space signals than the signal intensities of the K-space signals of the second signal region.
Unknown
March 30, 2021
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